Just days after winning the biggest race of his career, new World Champion Paulo Bettini’s high was shattered by the sudden death of his brother. Overcome with grief, his family and friends convinced him to keep racing, it’s what Sauro would have wanted. He talked with press today in Mendrisio about this difficult time, and his race tomorrow.

Last year it took Italian champion, Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) until the 16th stage of the Vuelta to add to his palmares; this year he was in more of a hurry as he out-dragged super-sprinters Thor Hushovd (Norway & CA) and Robbie McEwen (Australia &Lotto) to take stage two into the Moorish city of Cordoba.